Invented during the 1600s by a physician in the Netherlands, gin was originally thought of as a medicinal tonic. During the Thirty Years War, British soldiers discovered the tonic that they called "Dutch courage" and, afterwards, brought it back to London where it quickly became popular. This explains why gin has had a special association with Britain in general and London in particular.
Today, Beefeater's Gin is the only premium quality gin still distilled in London. First created by James Burrough in 1820, gin's unique and bracing taste comes from a secret recipe known only to the company directors and distillery manager. It is composed of juniper, coriander, citrus peel, angelica and other ingredients. This particular gin was named for the Royal Yeoman Guard - the Beefeaters - who stand guard dressed in their red and black Tudor uniforms at the Tower of London.
And it is this bright figure who is emblazoned on the label of every bottle. Imbibed by itself, as the basis for the perfect Martini or with mixers, Beefeater Gin is the name gin lovers turn to when they want only the best.

Now, the long tradition and crisp, clean taste of Beefeater's Gin is celebrated in a unique die-cast replica of a 1929 Morris Light Van produced by - and available only from - Matchbox Collectibles.

(1999)

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